Thai Authorities Raid Illegal Cannabis Gummy Outlet in Bangkok Following Family Poisoning Reports

Key summary

On November 1, 2026, Thai authorities including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine conducted a raid on an illegal cannabis gummy distribution outlet in Banthat Thong, Pathum Wan district, Bangkok. The operation was triggered by reports on social media regarding a family of three—a father, mother, and their two-year-old son—from Chanthaburi's Khlung district who suffered severe health symptoms after consuming cannabis-infused sweets. The parents reportedly experienced muscle stiffness, convulsions, loss of consciousness requiring ventilator support, while the child became lethargic despite consuming only a small amount. During the raid, officers seized 90 products estimated to be worth 50,000 baht from a building identified as a distribution point. A 26-year-old female employee admitted selling the gummies at 80 baht each to the public and tourists; the shop had reportedly operated for about one year. The seized items lacked Thai-language labels or FDA food serial numbers. Authorities identified two suspected legal violations: first, under the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Act B.E. 2542 (1999), involving the sale of controlled herbs without permission, punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht; second, under the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979), concerning improperly displayed labels on food products, punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 baht. Product samples were sent to the Department of Medical Sciences for laboratory testing to determine THC and CBD content, with additional charges possible if limits are exceeded. FDA Secretary-General Suphatra Boonserm warned that adults should only purchase FDA-authorised products containing no more than 1.6 milligrams of THC per bottle, box, or sachet, and advised consumers not to exceed two units per day. She also highlighted risks for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Dr. Pongsathorn Phokphoemdi, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, noted that monitoring would focus on major tourist destinations to prevent improper cannabis use among visitors. Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanasai warned that colourful packaging makes such products appealing to children and urged vigilance against accidental consumption. The FDA is coordinating with provincial public health offices for nationwide monitoring, and consumers can report concerns via the FDA hotline at 1556 or email [email protected].